Did You Know? HIV/AIDS Can Lead to These Two Cancers

HIV or human immunodeficiency virus is the cause of the condition AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The condition is usually spread via sexual contact or contact with an affected individual’s blood, semen or vaginal fluids. It is entirely possible for an individual with a healthy immune system to contract the virus and remain unaffected.

Once a person is diagnosed with AIDS, they need to begin preparing to deal with the condition for the rest of their lives. Though a cure has not been found, there are several drugs a patient can take in regular doses to control the condition at large. AIDS attacks the immune system, making the patient susceptible to an array of different conditions, including brain and intestinal infections, severe fevers, nausea and so on. Controlling the symptoms is the only way to deal with AIDS.

Medical care, drugs and doctor’s consultation charges became part of the patient’s regular expenses. In a country like India, where most families struggle to pay for groceries and education for their children, these additional expenses can push them into crippling financial conditions. Today, a risk-free, convenient funding solution has risen: the crowdfunding India platform.

Another side effect of AIDS, though rare, is cancer. There are two rare kinds of cancer that a patient has chances of developing:

Kaposi’s Sarcoma

Though a rare kind of tumor, it is commonly associated with AIDS. This cancer targets the blood vessels of the body, where the tumor develops. It can appear on nearly any part of the body, particularly the skin, lungs, digestive tract or inside the mouth. The cancer cells form what are called “lesions”, which look like brown, red or purple blotches on the patient’s skin. This tumor may cause internal bleeding, difficulty in breathing and other issues. The advent of medical technology and modern medication has significantly reduced the risk of developing this cancer, with less than 100,000 new cases in India per year.

Treatment is similar to those of other cancers; chemotherapy, radiation therapy and a process called electrodesiccation. In India, patients are usually posed with medical bills as high as Rs 20 lakh, forcing patients to turn to crowdfunding India campaigns, where they raise the money they need in days or a few weeks from their friends and family.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

This cancer develops in the lymphocytes or the white blood cells that are part of the body’s immune system. The lymph system is responsible for fighting germs, infections and a few other kinds of diseases by producing proteins. Since the lymph tissue is found in just about any part of the body, the cancer can begin anywhere.

Like with any cancer, early detection is the first step to treatment and recovery. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and stem cell therapy are some of the first options a doctor will discuss with a patient. Surgical intervention is a more urgent resort for later stages. Treatment costs may come up to Rs 25 lakh.

Crowdfunding India is a popular option for patients because of its efficiency and convenience. Since crowdfunding is a risk-free option where payback isn’t necessary, most low income patients benefit best from this funding solution!